Military Training Points

Military Training Points

The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) is a critical factor in a soldier’s career, influencing promotion opportunities and overall fitness. Many service members find the APFT challenging, yet it remains an integral part of the Army’s evaluation system.

With potential scores translating directly into significant promotion points for ranks like SGT E-5 and SSG E-6, understanding the scoring breakdown is essential.

This blog explores the APFT’s structure, its impact on promotions, and strategies to maximize your scores, ensuring you make the most of this vital component of military training.

Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)

The APFT was never my top choice during my time in the Army, yet it remains a constant presence that hasn’t been replaced (unless the ACFT becomes fully integrated and its effects on promotion points are clearly understood and applied).

I personally found it challenging to achieve maximum APFT scores, but since it’s a key component of the promotion point system, it’s going to be around for the foreseeable future.

The APFT allows soldiers to earn as many as 180 points for SGT E-5 and 145 points for SSG E-6, representing approximately 18% and 23% of the total 800 points available, respectively. That’s quite significant!

Generally, the APFT consists of three standard events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. A minimum score of 60 in each event is required to pass. To provide some context, here’s how APFT scores translate to promotion points for E-5 and E-6:

For SGT E-5 Points

  • APFT Score = 300 | Promotion Points = 180 (maximum points)
  • APFT Score = 250 | Promotion Points = 120
  • APFT Score = 225 | Promotion Points = 85
  • APFT Score = 200 | Promotion Points = 80
  • APFT Score = 180 | Promotion Points = 40 (minimum)

For SSG E-6 Points

  • APFT Score = 300 | Promotion Points = 145 (maximum points)
  • APFT Score = 250 | Promotion Points = 70
  • APFT Score = 225 | Promotion Points = 36
  • APFT Score = 200 | Promotion Points = 23
  • APFT Score = 180 | Promotion Points = 15 (minimum)

The disparity between the minimum and maximum promotion points is substantial. Your dedication to succeeding in the Army APFT can significantly influence your chances of promotion from E-4 to E-5 and from E-5 to E-6. Don’t overlook these easily accessible promotion points. A little short-term effort can yield great rewards—take advantage of the opportunity!

Weapons Qualification

Qualifying on the range with your assigned weapon is mandatory for all soldiers and plays a crucial role in boosting your promotion points.

You can earn up to 160 points for weapons qualification, which is 20% of the total points available.

Don’t let these points slip away; with proper focus, adequate rest, and steady aim, you can secure most of them and add them to your promotion point total!

For the standard M16A2/M4 rifle, here’s the breakdown of points you can earn based on your shooting performance:

For SGT E-5 Points

  • Targets Hit = 40 | Promotion Points = 160 (maximum)
  • Targets Hit = 35 | Promotion Points = 123
  • Targets Hit = 30 | Promotion Points = 85
  • Targets Hit = 23 | Promotion Points = 33 (minimum)

For SSG E-6 Points

  • Targets Hit = 40 | Promotion Points = 110 (maximum)
  • Targets Hit = 35 | Promotion Points = 91
  • Targets Hit = 30 | Promotion Points = 56
  • Targets Hit = 23 | Promotion Points = 28 (minimum)

To simplify the process of tracking your promotion points, consider registering for the online promotion points calculator, which offers an easy, accurate, and automated way to keep tabs on your scores.